By Mike Broemmel
Beloved orchestra leader Lawrence Welk founded a
resort company during his lifetime that has grown to become an industry powerhouse. With three properties in the
United States, Welk
resorts have become the vacation destination of choice for thousands of people. The Welk Resorts also have a storied history that includes the development of top-quality properties combined with lively family entertainment.
The Genesis
The Welk Resort Group has humble beginnings. Master musician and orchestra leader Lawrence Welk took a leisurely drive in the country north of San Diego in 1964. He was in the area with the intent to invest in an orange grove. While on his drive, Welk came upon a rather simple motel with a nine-hole golf course. Welk found the spot to be quaint and appealing on a number of levels. The motel was nestled in what Welk considered to be a lovely location. Additionally, Welk believed that the area surrounding the motel and little golf course was ripe for development.
The Next Step
Not long after initially stumbling upon the motel and golf course, Welk ended up purchasing the properties. His most immediate plan for the motel was to stage one of his shows at the site. The performance proved to be a success. As a result of the publicity surrounding the show specifically and Welk's popularity more generally, the motel and golf course rapidly became a destination for a growing number of tourists.
The Birth of Welk Resort --- San Diego
Welk then set upon expanding the motel and golf course. The site eventually grew beyond the motel into a theater, larger golf course and ultimately timeshare properties. The timeshares at the Welk Resort-San Diego ultimately became the main draw. The timeshares built at Welk Resort-San Diego sold briskly. The appeal of these properties resulted in the creation of the Welk Resort Group.
Expansion
Once the San Diego site was well on its way and attracting new vacationers each and every year, the Welk Resort Group established the Welk Resort-Palm Springs in California and the Welk Resort-Branson in Missouri. Developed along the lines of the San Diego location, these properties consisted of timeshares, theaters and golf courses. In addition, there are numerous other fine amenities that make these resort locations extremely popular. As Welk Resort Group grew, the company was placed under the leadership of Welk's grandson, Jon Fredericks.
Commitment to the "Welk Tradition"
All three Welk Resorts maintain a commitment to what the company calls the "Welk tradition." This includes not only the highest quality construction but the very best amenities. Additionally, at the heart of each Welk Resort is top of the line entertainment --- entertainment that is suitable for the entire family. Indeed, the Welk Theater in Branson is a top tier venue in this lively tourist community.
Resources
About the Author:
Mike Broemmel began writing in 1982. He is an author/lecturer with two novels on the market internationally, "The Shadow Cast" and "The Miller Moth." Broemmel served on the staff of the White House Office of Media Relations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from Benedictine College and a Juris Doctorate from Washburn University. He also attended Brunel University, London.
